Our second Sustainability Series article in honor of Earth Day addresses a common problem in Ohio dispensaries: the excess packaging waste that comes with buying cannabis flower. As we discussed in our last piece, recycling in the cannabis industry can be tricky. Check out these ways you can still make an impact:
The 5 R’s: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose
You’ve probably heard of the 3 Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle. This has been updated to become the 5 Rs: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose. This new perspective on sustainable waste reduction has opened up more possibilities for how we deal with items such as cannabis flower and edible jars when we are done with them.
While glass and plastic jars can be recycled after you are done with your flower or edibles, there is another solution that has more of an environmental impact: repurposing. Recycling uses less energy and resources than creating materials from raw materials. However, it still uses some energy and resources.
Recycling rates in the United States are also lower than one would expect. The combined recycling rate in the U.S. for industrial, residential, and commercial waste is 32%. The residential rate by itself is approximately 21%. The Recycling Partnership found that single-family homes have more access to recycling than multifamily residences. Furthermore, out of homes who have access to recycling, only 59% of households participate.
In Ohio, the residential recycling rate is between 20% and 25%. That is not to say that recycling is not an important, viable solution to waste reduction. According to the EPA, making plastic from recycled materials takes two-thirds less energy and making glass from crushed glass takes 30% less energy.
Sustainability Tip: Consider Repurposing Instead of Recycling
Repurposing, on the other hand, is a creative way for anyone to turn their used cannabis jars into a new item that fits their unique needs. This makes sustainable action more accessible for people who do not have access to recycling. Repurposing is similar to reusing, but it is for a different purpose than the original use. There are many environmental benefits of repurposing, including saving energy, reducing the amount of waste that goes to recycling facilities or landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and ensuring that an is used to its fullest potential.
It also has other benefits that impact human health and well-being. Repurposing is a fun activity and it can save money. Another beneficial aspect of repurposing is that it is an independent activity that does not rely on the help of other organizations.
There are a myriad of ways to repurpose glass and plastic cannabis jars on your own. Some examples of jar repurposing include:
- Travel toiletry containers (not recommended for flying unless the label is removed)
- Trinket jars
- Paintbrush water cup
- Candle jars (glass only)
- Succulent or seed starter jars
- Jewelry holders
- Food storage containers (especially great for snacks on the go)
- Hardware storage for a workbench
Idea: Turn Your Repurposing into a Cannabis Craft Night
You can also turn repurposing into a social activity through hosting cannabis craft nights. What better craft night than making candles or painting trinket containers with your loved ones? What about using your old flower jars as paintbrush water cups for your next Puff and Paint night?
This list is not exhaustive. If you have any other ideas, please let us know at medicateoh@gmail.com or tag us on social media.
Acknowledgement: Thank you to Patrick Aylward of Yatz Solutions for the idea of using jars for hardware storage, as inspired by seeing his dad do something similar with baby food jars.
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